The Hidden Risks: Violent Games and Their Effect on Neurodivergent Minds

While there are immense cognitive benefits, like enhanced perception, response skills, and emotional engagement, are noted, in playing computer games, when it comes to our children playing violent video games the overarching impact will certainly carry significant risks. And this is certainly the case for our children with the neuro non-typical brain. Children who may be neurodivergent , or who have just generally had a difficult childhood (Developmental Trauma) are not going to necessarily fare well with these games.  It's crucial to take into account the unique ways these children process prompts,  triggers, and regulate emotions. Neurodivergent children, including those with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD),  attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or Foetal Alcohol  Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may react differently to violent content compared to neurotypical children.

Neurodivergent children may struggle with impulse control, judgment, attention, and the processing of consequences, which are critical areas affected by exposure to media violence. The hyper-stimulation and aggressive scenarios common in these games may not only exacerbate issues like impulsivity and aggression but could also impair their ability to distinguish appropriate responses in real-life interactions.

We see this playing out in real life for some of our children where there are higher rates of neurodivergent traits among children excluded from school. In one study of excluded children, the rate of ASD was 20 times the national average. This often sets up the trajectory for life where we see at least one in three people in the justice system may be neurodivergent and they may also have a number of other challenges in their life, both past and present. In some youth offending groups, the rates are much higher, especially relating to ADHD and speech and language challenges. I share this to say we need to do our utmost to prevent the harm,  the playing of violent computer games can have on our children. 

The Potential Impacts of Violent Video Games on the Neurodivergent child could be:

1. Increased Sensitivity: They may experience sensory overload more easily. Violent video games could exacerbate stress or anxiety in such children. For instance, a study by Masurek and Engelhardt (2013) found that children with ASD are particularly drawn to video games, and excessive gameplay was associated with increased attention problems and other difficulties.

2. Emotional Dysregulation:  Engaging with violent video games might trigger aggressive fantasies or behaviours in children who already struggle with emotional control. A meta-analysis by Anderson et al. (2010) in the Psychological Bulletin highlighted that exposure to violent video games is linked to increased aggression in both short-term and long-term contexts.

3. Alterations in Brain Function: A study by Weber, Ritterfeld, and Mathiak (2006) noted changes in brain function because of playing violent video games. Their research indicated that areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation and self-control showed decreased activity after playing violent games, potentially impairing the ability to control aggressive impulses.

4. Social Learning Challenges: These children might struggle with social cues and understanding complex social interactions. Since violent games often lack the nuance of real-world consequences, they might impede the development of appropriate social responses or empathy in these children.

   
   

Given their specific vulnerabilities of neurodivergent and children experiencing developmental trauma, it is clear that they might be more adversely affected by the negative impacts of violent video games. Research is ongoing but the consensus suggests a cautious approach to media consumption for these children. Parents closely monitor and limit the exposure of these children to violent video games, considering the potential for negative behavioural and emotional consequences.